Blackburn Rovers midfielder Brett Emerton is on the verge of returning from a long injury layoff.

The Australian international seriously injured his right knee seven months ago against Middlesbrough but after plenty of hard work and rehabilitation, is set to return to the pitch.

"The knee's feeling pretty much 100 per cent now so it's going very well," Emerton said.

"I'm ready to get back into action, really, which could be any moment. I was on the bench at the weekend against Sunderland which was great. I did not get any game time but this weekend I could get some minutes against the Hammers (West Ham).

"It all depends on what risks the manager would want to take with me. But if needed I'm fit and ready.

"And if it won't be this week hopefully it will be the next so it's looking good because it's come a little bit earlier than I expected."

Blackburn host West Ham United this Saturday, August 29 at Ewood Park.